Vassilis Rouvalis

Vassilis Rouvalis is a Greek poet, journalist and translator, born in Athens (1969). While still a student of Byzantine Philology at the University of Crete, he got acquainted with the works of the Cretan Renaissance, which marked him deeply with their creative potential. He is the author of three poetry books; his short stories have appeared in various volumes while his articles, translations of Italian poetry and literary criticism can be found in literary journals, major newspapers and various editions. In 2006 he launched the e-zine poema which focuses on poetry, essays and art. He is currently the director of (.poema..) editions. He works as an organizer and advisor for Book Clubs Network all over Greece and Cyprus, in contribution with the National Book Centre of Greece.

Only the consequenses were late appearing.
Never again will I be who I was
Only Santa Maria remains
with the dusty child
the faded ochre on the walls
the feeling
that all is cracked that I so loved.
The darkness
lessens when I consider loneliness
the journey’s end.
Everything is immersed
In the Sicilian horizon’s truth.
With the river’s ancient bed
the night’s mendacities
the effort to feign the familiar.

(Από το Πέρα – From Pera)

I return with kisses
and monastery bells.
I remember you, Basilia
with your loose blond hair
singing
affectionately to Golden Horn.
I’ll never stop losing
imagination’s
hazy horizon
to breathe your breath.
The streets are still steaming. Nothing remains
for me to mourn.

(Από τη Φανερωμένη – From Faneromeni)

I am standing on the terrace hillside as before.
The same imploring
wind
between the isle of Venetico
and so many questions.
“Hold tight, hold tight!
Lower the mainsail, and luff-a-lee”…
The blue’s shower
intensifies.
Myths in the olive trees.
A bowlike sea.
And St. Elias screening
the light
with his hands.